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Name Change question filing for GC.
- Thread starter jrlaredo
- Start date
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
In your example, the US would consider Smith to be your last name and Doe to be your middle name.
If you want to drop one of those names, you have to follow a separate court process in the US or in Mexico. And make sure it is completed before the GC paperwork is sent in, or after the GC is approved. If you change your name in the middle of the process, it can cause confusion and delays with USCIS.
If you want to drop one of those names, you have to follow a separate court process in the US or in Mexico. And make sure it is completed before the GC paperwork is sent in, or after the GC is approved. If you change your name in the middle of the process, it can cause confusion and delays with USCIS.
thomas_psu
Registered Users (C)
Jack, Just curious about this. In case, someone wants to change their name after the GC approval what is the process (for e.g., for a spouse). Is it better to wait till the citizenship or is there an alternative legal process/mechanism?
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
If the name change is to take the spouse's last name, it usually isn't necessary to follow any complex legal process; just file I-90 with the fee and a copy of the marriage certificate to change the name on the green card. The new card will take a number of months to be delivered, so it would be advisable to get the passport stamped with I-551 so it can be used to travel or work while the new card is in process ... but then that means the passport should be changed before filing I-90, so it will have the new name when going for stamping.
Then once the new green card is delivered, use that to change the Social Security card, bank account, driver's license, etc.
However, looking at your signature I see the interview has not happened yet. In that case, there is an even simpler route. At the interview, just show the marriage certificate and ask for the GC to be produced with the married name.
If the name change is other than taking the spouse's last name, it would be necessary to follow a legal process through the courts in your jurisdiction. Contact your local City Hall to find out what the forms and fees and process steps are. In some areas it is cheap and simple; in other areas it is complex and costs hundreds of dollars and requires appearing in court.
Then once the new green card is delivered, use that to change the Social Security card, bank account, driver's license, etc.
However, looking at your signature I see the interview has not happened yet. In that case, there is an even simpler route. At the interview, just show the marriage certificate and ask for the GC to be produced with the married name.
If the name change is other than taking the spouse's last name, it would be necessary to follow a legal process through the courts in your jurisdiction. Contact your local City Hall to find out what the forms and fees and process steps are. In some areas it is cheap and simple; in other areas it is complex and costs hundreds of dollars and requires appearing in court.